Every now and then, PlayStation network users on PS4 and PS5 consoles will run into an issue where their account becomes suspended or banned entirely. If you’ve been unlucky enough to encounter the WS-37337-3 error, don’t worry. We’ll explain how long the ban will last, what can cause the error, and how to get your ban or suspension lifted. Read on to find out how to get back to playing your favorite games as soon as possible.
What does the WS-37337-3 error mean on PS4 and PS5?
The WS-37337-3 error indicates that Sony has suspended or banned your PSN account.
How long is the WS-37337-3 suspension or ban?
How long WS-37337-3 could last depends entirely on Sony’s reasoning behind the suspension, with decisions being made on a case-by-case basis. Details will only be specified in an email that Sony sends to the address linked with the suspended account, so there’s really no predicting just how long you might be locked out for.
If your account is suspended like this, your PlayStation will not be able to access the PSN, or any purchases you’ve made on it, such as games or any services it provides. Another account on the same Playstation will still be able to access the PSN unless Sony has placed a suspension on the console itself, in which case it will be completely cut off no matter who signs in on it.
Why do you get the WS-37337-3 suspension or ban?
PSN account suspensions and bans are typically handed out when Sony’s Terms of Service (ToS) or Code of Conduct (CoC) are violated in some fashion. These documents are readily available for you to look through, so it’s assumed by Sony that not knowing the details of the ToS and CoC is not a valid reason for not following them. You can read Sony’s Terms of Service here and their Community Code of Conduct here.
More often than not, there is a simple explanation behind an account suspension:
- You did something that the ToS or CoC tells you not to. We get it, legal documents are long and hard to understand, but Sony won’t hesitate to suspend an account that’s been caught performing nefarious acts. Of course, if you’re simply purchasing and using apps and games from the PlayStation Store, you usually won’t have to worry about these sorts of issues.
- Someone reported you for bullying or harassment. If another player felt you were being rude or outright mean, they may report you for doing so. These reports get reviewed, so it’s unlikely to be a misunderstanding. However, there are cases where mistakes are made, so it may be prudent to contact support.
- Your payment method failed to complete a payment for you. Unfortunately, Sony doesn’t allow for late payments on transactions or subscriptions, so if you’re billed, but the payment doesn’t go through, your account may get suspended until the payment is properly made.
- Your account shows signs of fraudulent activity. This is probably the only time you WANT to see your account suspended. Should Sony detect any unusual purchases or signs of a breach, they will suspend the account while they investigate what’s going on. This often prevents your account from being stolen or your on-file payment method from being charged without your knowledge.
How to correct the WS-37337-3 suspension or ban on PS4 and PS5
There are a few steps that you can take when attempting to correct the WS-37337-3 error.
1. Check the email associated with your account
Sony will send details of an account suspension to the email address associated with it. The email should tell you why the account was suspended, for how long, and any steps you need to take to regain access.
2. Take time to review the ToS or CoC
As mentioned previously, not knowing is not a valid reason for not following, so get familiar with the rules you agreed to when creating your PSN account. If your account has already been suspended, you can at least learn the specifics of what terms have been
3. Check your payment method
Your transaction history may reveal a failed or suspicious payment. Be sure to pay any outstanding charges and bring any suspicious charges to the attention of Sony’s Customer Support.
4. Check to see if it is a login issue by using another device
If you have access to another PlayStation or computer, try logging into your PSN account there. If you’re able to log in on another device, simply log out of your account on your Playstation and log back in again to resolve the issue.
5. Contact the PlayStation support team
If your account has been temporarily suspended, you’re likely going to have to sit and wait out the suspension. However, if your account has been suspended due to outstanding charges, such as through a chargeback, you can contact the PlayStation support team to pay the outstanding debt. Once this debt is paid up in full, your account will be reinstated. You can read more about that here.
If you suspect that fraud has taken place, where someone else has hacked into your PlayStation account and made purchases that you do not recognize, then there are two steps that you need to take. The first is to attempt to reset the passwords associated with your sign-in ID and account. The second is to contact the PlayStation support team to have them investigate. If they concur that your account has been compromised, the charges will be reversed, and your account will be reinstated. You can read more about that here.
To contact PlayStation support, you can go to the following website page and either type in your issue or choose one of the categories that they have to find steps on how to resolve your issue.
Conclusion
Although having your account suspended can feel like a harrowing experience, you can take plenty of steps to resolve or even prevent this kind of problem. In terms of account security, consider using two-factor authentication, and be sure to get familiar with at least the basics of the ToS to prevent any missteps. Finally, should you face a situation where you’re unsure, contact Sony’s Customer Support to get the help you need.